Attitudes, toekomstige rol en kennis van studenten verpleegkunde betreffende euthanasie wegens ondraaglijk geestelijkpsychisch lijden: A Single-Site Pilot Study

Background This study examines the attitudes, view of their future role, and knowledge of nursing students regarding euthanasia due to unbearable mental suffering (UMS euthanasia) in Belgium. Nurses have a key role in this situation at many levels. The practice of euthanasia is expanding globally and laws are changing, making more research essential.
Method A cross-sectional design and online survey were used. All nursing students at a Belgian university college participated.
Results The majority of nursing students had a high degree of acceptance towards UMS euthanasia and highlighted their important role in the euthanasia decision-making process, but also reported a lack of knowledge and skills.
Conclusion Nursing education at all levels needs to recognize this knowledge gap, taking into account the complexity and broader context of end-of-life care.